Curved barrier



March 18, 195s P, GRAHAM l2,826,788

CURVED BARRIER Filed Aug. 13, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 18, 1958 P.GRAHAM CURVED BARRIER 3 Sheets-Shea?l 2 Filed Aug. 13, 1954 FIG. I7

FIG. IO

FIG. I8

By P/vf//fp Gra/mm ATTORNEY P. GRAHAM CURVED BARRIER March 18,1958

3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 13,1954 v expansion and contraction;

United States Patent() Mice CURVED BARRIER Phillip'Graham, Pittsburgh,Pa. Application August 13, 1954, Serial-N0. 449,695 2s claims. (C1.'zu-ss) This invention relates to a barrier -in the .form of a closureor shield, such as' a door, shutter., or a barricade section, which iscurved, light in weight, resilient, and strong, also which is surroundedby acushionseal tomake a 'tight fitwitha frame. The 'door embodying thepresent invention is of such-construction as to maintain a true bearingedge with the door opening and prevent warping which occurs in manycommon at doors. This invention isa continuation-impart of my co-pendingapplications, Serial No. 265,465, now Patent No. 2,770,850, filedJanuary 8, 1952, entitled Curved Closure Device and Ser'-ia1'No.f363,867, filed lune 24, 1953, entitled Curved Closure Device.

A barrier embodying the principles of-this invention offers protectionagainst the effects of violent forces'that may be thrust against it. AIsrnall amount of relatively low cost-material is shaped for optimum useto provide a safety barrier that can offer security against possiblefatal injury and property damage from Violent forces. In general theparts are confined and forced to work efficiently. Doors and shutters ofthis type provide protection'from explosions, including protection inthe enormous critical fringe areas of atomic-H-blasts, andhurricane-like winds. Automobiles may be equipped with safety barriers,or closure elements to provide safety cushioning or restraining meanswhich will yieldably slow down and check the momentum of the occupants,when a sudden stoppage during ,a collision would otherwise tend to hurlthe occupants forwardly against rigid framing causing injury. Theclosure-shields may also be attached to the outside of automobiles, toenclose or partially enclose the auomobtiles, to provide'cushioning andrestraining means to check momentum of autos when they collide, tolessen or prevent injury to occupants and to lessen or prevent propertydamage.

An object of my invention' is to provide a low-cost, strong, durable,attractive door, or the like, to yieldngly resist and cushion violentimpacts and restrain these forces, and which will resist deteriorationfrom the elements.

Other objects parent from the following description,v` accompanyingdrawings wherein: Y

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a curved door;

Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along line2;-2 of Figurel; y

Figure 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along line3-3 of Figure 1; f

Figure 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along line-44of Figures 2 and4 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along line5-5 of Figure 1;-

Figure 6A is a schematicl diagram, showing the control of distortionalong the Width of the door shell caused by of my invention will becomemore aptaken with thel Figure 6B is aschematlc diagram, showing thedistortiony alongfthe width of the door shell caused by exteriorthrusts; l f

2,826,788 Ptented Mar. 18, 195,8l

Figure 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional eleva# tional viewtakenalongfline`7-r-7 of Figure 1; l,

Figure 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectioalview taken along line-8--8 of Figure l; Y

Figure 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, taken along line 9-4-'9 of YFigure1';

Figures 10 and 11 ar 'y fragmentary, sectionalgpla'n views, similar toFigure/2, take'n throu'ghamodifed door 'that swingstwo ways;

yFigures .l2 and 13l are'fragiheritary' elevational views showing thelower corners of thev door showninF-i'gures l0 and ll; V

sectional view Figure 14 isafragrnentar'y, sectional 'view'takenfaliigline'1'4-1`4ofFigure1-2, Y j

Figure k15 is afragmentary,'sectional'viewtakenalong line 15'15 ofFigure 13; Y

Figure 16 is a fragmentary, sectional Vv'ievv similar to Figure Stakenthrougha'further modie'd door'; v

Figure 17 is a fragmentary, sectional elevationsinilr to Figure 7, takenthrough' the modified doei-'shown in Figure 1'6; g

4Figure 118 isa fragmentary, sectionalfelevatioiigsiiriilai` to Figure8, taken througlr the modified door-- shown liii Figure 16;Y 1

Figure 1-9 is a fragmentary, sectional' elevation similar to Figure 9,taken tliroughtliembdied door' show'ii i'ri Figurev 16;

Figure- 20v is a fragmentary, sectional' elevation taken through anautomobile showing some usesE ofclosures and shields; Y

Figure 2l vis a'fragmentary, along line 21'-21\of Figure 20;V

Figure 22 is afragmentary, 'sectional"elevationtaken along line 224-22of Figure 2O;Y and.

, Figure 23 is an enlargeddetailshowing a restraininglink for the'tierods inthe closure;

Thev door shown inf FiguresV 1l to 9 inclusive' Vis illisv strated as anexterior door'. VIts, arched curved shell!A is bowed out in widthto theexterior` to" allow it to resist violent exterior forces." TheA door`isshown Apo'sitiollel in an opening-in a curved thin shell concrete wall2.1 It may be usedwith straight-walls` whose edges are beveled at thedoor opening. The door is symmetrical about its vertical axis except forthe hinges and latchingmears; Thisbowed shapeY is strong, and greatlyresists'pressure on the convex side of -the archedA shell: Thebowed'shape allows the door to yield slightly under h'e'avy loads tsectional velevation taken yieiabie ana cushion the force and Vtodivertv the thrust into' the direction of the arch; -Thusan Iexteriorthrustv against the curved shell 1 is arcuately transmitted effectivelythrough the shell to the curved wall'2. The bowed shapeloftli shell 1allows it to yield for expansiony and contraction without objectionablewarping or cracking. The'curved shell 1 has a shape that resists forcesthattendf to cause it to bend lengthwise.=

The door. is illustrated and described, in general, as being made ofplastic.

Since possible loads on the convex surface of anarched shell effectcompression in the arch, al door shell may' be constructed ofmaterialsthat are strong in'resisting co'rii' pression, such as plastics,wood,metal, concrete, 'glass or laminationsfof these and/ or other suitablematerials. A door, if made of plastic, and similar materials, maybe'vreinforced with fiber glass, metal or other suitable Vrein forcing,irnpregnated'inA the'doormaterial. A concretew shell may have expandedmica, known in the tradeas vermiculite, in its aggregate to lighten theweight' and for insulation. A strong shell may have relatively weakmaterials laminated toit for appearance and for insulation. t Y

Referringto'Figures l to`9 inclusive, sides vla of shell 1 are shaped tostiffen'the sideso'fl the door and to form a trim. Ties T may be used tospan the chord of the arched shell 1 and connect to the sides 1a. Thechain ribs C may be used as stiteners. They may be connectedto theshell1 with fasteners `F1 and F2. The ends of the ribs C t into sockets inthe sides 1a.

Figures and 7 show a top rib 3 and Figure 9 shows a similar rib 4 at thebottom of the door.k Ribs 3 and'4 actas closures in addition tostitfening the door. A fiat cover 5 may be used to cover the inner orchord face of the door. Resilient hinges` 6 are shown in Figures l and5. A latch 7 is shown in Figure l.

A seal-cushion 8 may be fitted onto the edging around the doorperimeter. It acts as a seal, a cushion, an insulator,\and a trim. Theseal 8 may be colored to make an attractive trim. The seal 8 preventsice from forming on the side edges `of wall 2. The seal 8 yields tostrip away from ice that may form around its edge and thus the icemay-be sheared off as the door;is opened. The seal 8 may be stretchedonto the doorand be cemented to it. A door without `a seal 8 may be madeto bear against a seal around the door opening such as the seal 8a shownin Figure 2.

Insulation 9 may be placed in the space between the shell 1 and cover 5.The cover 5 `may be a stiff or a relatively weak covering. It may be amirror or it may be an insulating cover. A stiff cover 5 may be hinged(not shown) to form a closet space in the door.

As shown in Figure 2, a tie T has two pieces of tie wire 10 which arelinked together by the spring 11. An end of each Wire 10 is threaded toengage a nut 10a. 'There are holes` through sides 1a for the wires 10.Sockets in the `,sides 1a provide anchorage for the nuts 10a, and thusthe wires 10. Alimit link tube 12 may have `threaded adjustable ends; tostraddle the spring 11 to limit the yielding of the spring 11. A tube 13may be used to cover the wires 10, the spring 11 and the link 12. Thetube 13 fits into sockets in the sides 1a. Nuts 10a are turned to adjustthe tension of the spring 11. The limit links 12 prevents violentpressures on the concave side of the shell 1 from tending to atten and`then collapse the shell outwardly. Such violent pressures could be frominterior explosions, partial I vacuum outside of the building caused bya hurricane eye, or a gust` of windwhen the door is in an openedposition. The limit link 12 may have its etfeeive length shortened byadjusting anend, to restrainy the shell 1 from flattening more thanslightly after it yields to cushion a load on its convex surface, whenweak walls cannot absorb the whole thrust from the shell'l. Thus thehinges 6 and the latches 7a and 7b carry the load onto the stronger oorand ceiling. `The tube 13 besides being a cover, acts as a struttorrestrain the shell 1 from tending to bow in from the tension ofspring 11 and from forces on the concave side of the shell. When thecover 5 is omitted from the door, thetubes 13 may be used as hangers forarticles, as Well as to make attractive covers for the tie wires andspring. The tubes 13 may be omitted when loading conditions and the likedo not warrant their use. Modified ties (not shown) may have springwashers under nuts 10a, thus omitting the springs 11 and the links 12.

As shownin Figures 2, 3 and 4, chain ribs C have intermediate links 14aand 14b and end links 15. Pins 16 connect the links. Fasteners F1 and F2have clevises 17 and rivets 18 to couple the links 14a, 14b and 15 tothe shell 1. The clevises 17 for fasteners F1 may be slotted to allowlimited independent side movements of the shell 1 with respect to theribs. Fasteners F2 are not slotted as they are at fixed anchor pointsbetween the shell 1 and the ribs C. Clevises 17 may have a bowedresilient diaphragm, and thus have gaps between the rivets 18 and thelinks, 14a, 14b and 15,* to allow slight outward and inward movement ofthe shell 1. Thus slight expansion and contraction in the width of theshell 1 would be allowed without abruptly distorting the shell curvatureThe link `12 may be used at the fasteners F1 and F2. Therefore, a highlybrittle shell 1 would not have to bend as sharply and it would have lesstendency to crack.

Clevises 17 may be made non-resilient, if preferred, to prevent theslight bowing.

Modified doors (not shown) may have the links 14a, 14b and 15 bearingdirectly against the shell 1 Without being attached to it. Suitable padsor wearing plates may be placed at the contact surfaces. Such an arrangement would be less effective for strength and for controllingdistortion.

Ribs 3 and 4 may be attached to the shell 1 with fastenters F2. The endsof ribs 3 and 4 are not fastened to the shell 1. They are held inalignment by tongue and groove bearing surfaces with the sides 1a. Theends of ribs 3 and 4 may be tongued to t grooves in sides la. The ribs 3and 4 may have resilient separators 3b attached midway between theirends and centers.I The separators 3b have vbearing `contact with thcshell 1, but are not a tying means. Resilient separators 3b allow theshell 1 to bow in and out slightly from the effects of expansion andcontraction while contact is maintained. The ribs 3 and 4 are cut backfrom the contour of the shell 1 between the fasteners F2 and theseparators 3b, also between the rib ends and separators 3b to form gaps3a and 4a. There are similar gaps between the intermediate parts oflinks 14n, 14b and 15 and the shell 1. The gaps allow further localflattening during the contraction of the shell 1. The gaps 3a and 4a maybe left open between the shell 1 and the ribs; or, if desired, anelastic filler 19, such as one made of foam rubber, may be used as a gapfiller. To hold the filler 19, the edges on the ribs 3 and 4 are groovedslightly for keying the filler 19 to thc ribs.

The ties T allow the use of a thin shell 1, as they restrain the shellfrom objectionably liattening and spreading in width, particularly whenthe door is in an opened position. The ribs 3, 4 and C with theirfasteners Fl and F2 and separators 3b bear against the shell `1 tomaintain a substantially true arched curvature. When the door is closedand seated to the jambs of wall 2, the chain ribs C may yield andflatten slightly when a strong pressure on the convex side of the shell1 causes the shell 1 to deflect, the ties T yielding from the effects ofthe same force. While the ribs C are yielding, they are also restrainingthe shell 1 from buckling, so as to keep it confined or trapped to forceit to act as an arch to divert the strong forces into the arch and thusinto the edges of, the curved wall 2.

The-ribs C may yield to an extent under an impact on a local area of theshell 1, thus the ribs C would cushion the shock allowing it to bedistributed over a larger area so that it can be checked and its forcediverted to the side edges of the wall 2. The ribs C can not bowoutwardly past the normal position because the ends of links 14a, 14band 15 toward the chord linc have offset bearing surfaces contactingeach other. The slotted holes in the clevises 17 of fasteners F1 allowthe shell 1 to spread sideways slightly when it is flattened slightly.Ribs C actas pin connected arches to absorb some of the load against theshell 1, and divert it into the sides 1a and thus into the edges of thewall 2. Since in general the ends only of the links 14a, 14h and 15contact and thus take thrusts from the shell l, the ribs C do not act asbeams under localized impact loads as wouldribs of conventional ribbedcurved doors.

The ribs 3 and 4.21ct similarly to ribs C, as they may yield inwardlyand restrain the shell 1 from buckling or from bulging objectionablyfrom non-uniform pressure onthe shell 14. The sloping ends of ribs 3 and4 bear and slide against the sides la when they are yielding. Thesesliding contact edges may be waxed to prevent binding action. Thus theribs 3 and 4 with sloping ends act as Wedges to divert loads on the ribsinto the sides 1u and thus into the edges of the Wall 2. Offsets on `theends of ribs 3 and 4 and onthe engaging edges ofsidcs .zones (not shown)than four.

La llimit the .movements of the rib ,ends .to vprevent excessivemovement atan end.` The non-.connecting separators ,3b allow'the shell 1to'` spread sidewaysslightly when the shell 1 flattens slightly. l f-The curved straps of .the hinges 6 yield to .allow the sh`e1l'1 tocarry the archedthrust directly into the wall 2. The seal-cushion 8along the door side edges would yield under the arched thrust and itwould thus make a tighter seal and a continuous bearing surface.

The latches 7, 7a and 7b engage suitable slotted catches on the dooropening to allow .the door to spread to bear tighter against the wallwhen outside pressure is increased.- The latch 7 wouldfbe suicientlatching means where the wall edge adjacent the latching side of door isstrong enough to take the thrust from the door edge. Latches 7a and 7bmay beused in general when the thrust must be transmitted to supportsadjacent the ends of side 1a. l

When cover is omitted on a door, ribs 3 and 4 may be omitted, or it"preferred,rwhen loads are light, ribs 3 and 4 may be used and theadjacent ribs C may be omitted. Both types of ribs may be used on adoor, particularly when less sturdy ribs 3 and4 are primarily used toclose the ends of the door.

A very thin plastic shell, such as shell 1, may be used effectively tocarry a greater thrust, by incorporating longitudinal ribs 1u in linewith the fasteners F1 and F2. Only one such rib 1n is shown and isindicated by the dot-dashed outline in Figures 2 and 4. Such ribs may beused on either or both shell surfaces. Another means to effectively usea very thin plastic shell, such as shell 1, to eiectively yield andresist a greater thrust, is to have local corrugations 1w between thefasteners F1 and F2, and between fasteners Fland the sidesvla, toprevent excessive'buckling. Corrugations 1w are indicated by thedot-dashed outlines on Figure 2.

Modified doors of limited strength but sufficient for use as closetdoors and the like, may be made without ribs, the shell 1 being sprungto the required shape with ties T. The shell may be corrugated in width(not shown).

Another modification for doors of' limited strength embodies only tworibs. If such door is to have a cover S and/or insulation 9, the ribs 3and 4 Vwould be most suitable.

Modified doors (not shown) may have the cover 5 or the tubes 13yieldably connected to sides 1a, to act as yieldable ties and struts,thus omittingthe tie wire 10.

The door, with its yieldable means to allow diverting of the abnormalVthrusts on the door shell 1 into the edges of the wall 2, allows theuse of less sturdy walls as the thrust is made in the direction that thewall 2 is strongest. Flat doors, and to an extent non-yielding curveddoors, tend to cause shear and bending at the doorjambs.

Figure-6A is a schematic diagram showing the distortion of the doorshell 1 along its width, which results from expansion and contraction.The heavy solid curved line 1b indicates the normal contour of the doorshell. When resilientV clevises 17 are used with gaps between the shell1 and the ribs to allow for expansion and contraction, the expansiongaps at clevises 1'7 allow the shell 1 to expand slightly to a bowedshape indicated by the thin line contour 1c. The gaps at clevises 17also allow the shell 1 to contract to a flatter bowed shape indicated bythe light dotted line 1d. There are fixed points FZa at fasteners F2.There are semi-fixed points F1a and Flb, which are located at the endsof the ribs, at-the fasteners F1 and F2 and at the separators 3b.

The points F1a, Flb and F211, divide the shell bending area into fourincremental areas or zones.

In modifications there may be moreY or fewer bending Bending zones allowconsiderable unobjectionable `bending in the arched shell 1, Withoutcausing undesirable warping of the door. The

doorshell 1 .bends locally in width andthe strong curved shape.restrains it from lbending lengthwise'. The door shell is restrained'from spreading or objectionable bulging by the ribs, ties, and doorjarnbs. When thedoor shell 1- expandsduey to increased temperatureor-in'creased moisture, if absorbent material is used, such as wood',itV takes on the bulging contour in the bending zones between pointsshown by dashed linel 1e. The cooling of all doors, and drying .outfinwooden' doors, causesv contraction which, without this localization ofbending, causesrundesirable wraping and cracking. The curved shell 1allows the Ycurved .width to flatten out locallyin the bending zones forcontraction. .1- shrinks, it assumes the contour indicated by dot-dashline 1f, which attens betv'v'een points.

Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showingthe distortion of .the doorshell 1, which results from heavy .pressures 0n the convex side of theshell. The heavy'solid line 1g indicates the normal contour of thedoorsh'ell.

` normal conditions, suchV as exterior When the shell is under an evenlydistributed load 20, it compresses, yields andy attens to the dashedcontour line 1h. The direction of the load 20 is diverted into the archto convert it-into forces 20a and 20b and thus to forces 291C and 20d inthe wall 2.` When a concentrated impact load 20e strikes a local area ofthe shell, the shell yields to the dotted contour line" 1k. In yielding,the shell distributes'the impact load over a greater shell area, whichcan resistthe tendency'of the impact toshear through or puncture theshell. The thrust would be diverted into the shell and wall V2. v

In general, the door or closure d vice shown in-'Figures -1 lto 9inclusive is light-weight, verystrong, `and durable. I-t is relativelylow in cost to build,-install, yand maintain. The curved door isstrikingly different from conventional building doors; and it is`pleasingly attractive in appearance, since the curved eiect'givesthesimpression of strength and beauty. This curved door would requireless material than would common flat doors or other curved doorsof equalstrength. This would be an exceptionally efficient door and wallarrangement that would rnakeA optimum use of the stress carryingcharacteristics of the door and wall materials, so as to make thearrangement capable of resisting forces fromr abexplosions and thellike. The continuous, resilient, sealed cushionl around the edge of thedoor prevents the passage of air, moisture, insects, rodents, dirt,fumes or odors, sound, light, heat, cold, smoke, flood waters. And,since it retards the progress of tire, it is a'fire seal. It seals inairvfor air-conditioning. In wartime, the seal would prevent ythepassage of warfare types of poisonous gas, smoke, bacteria, andradioactive dust or mist from anatomic blast The seal will yield tobreak away from ice that forms around the door. A door yequipped with anedge cushioned-seal closes with little noise even when slammed hard. Theseal-cushion would also yield to take up the slack caused bydiscrepancies in the door or door opening. Thus, a less accurate doorand required; therefore, an accurate costly door frame or door openingis unnecessary. There lwould evolveyno future door trouble caused byslight settling of the buildin g and untrued door openings due to thesettling. Since the seal compensates for minor discrepancies in the dooropening, it would allow more tolerance in hangingy the door than Vispossible with ordinary llat doors; The present door can-be more easilyand quickly erected. v p

The doors being-light in weight may easily berhandled and erected evenby a person frail in build. The lightweight doors rnay be shipped at lowcost and would require smaller hinges and supports for the Vhingescornpared with conventional heavier doors Vof equal strength.vLight-weight plastic .storm doors or shutters may :be stored inquantities in a small` space without overloading a door. tPlastiodoorslwould not require paint. Doors may be made of4 attractive coloredplastic. .Plasticdoors When the door shell door opening are y .'ging andbinding may be transparent, translucent or opaque. Plastic is notatected by atmospheric moisture which causes wooden doors to warp andunprotected steel doors to rust. Plastic doors can be readily cleanedwith water. A plastic door would be resistant to damage by rodents,vermin, and the like. Plastic would be particularly suitable for closuredevices such as those in warm climates where destructiveelements areprevalent.

A mail slot (not shown) with a be placed in the curved shell.

A window (not shown) with a resilient frame may be placed in the curvedshell. Resilient frames would allow for bending in the shell and stillmaintain a seal. Ialousies (not show may be placed in an opening in thedoor shell. i While I have shown a door in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive`that `is suitable for plastic construction, a door with the sameprinciples, such as the bowed shell, yieldable ribs and yieldable ties,may be made with other materials, such as wood, metal, glass, concreteand the like, similar to the means described in this application and inmy co-pending applications Serial No. 265,465, filed January 8, 1952,entitled Curved Closure Device and Serial No. 363,867, filed lune 24,1953, entitled Curved Closure Device.

Figures 10 to 15 inclusive show a modification of the `door shown inFigures 1 to 9 inclusive. This modified door may swing in and out inaddition to its being similar in its characteristics to the doorpreviously described. The differences are in the modified shell sides1m, the modied 'edges of the wall 2a, the modified seal-cushions 8b and8c, `and principally in the hinging system. Hinge plates 21 are attachedto the bottom and top of the door. A` hinge pin 21a is attached to theend of hinge plate 21. The pin 21a engages a hole in the sliding plateresilient seal frame may 22. Plates 22 are attached to the licor andceiling with dowel pins 22a and 22b.` Tubes 23 are imbedded in thc wall2a. Springs 24 are t positioned in tubes 23. Plate 22 is threaded and ithas an adjusting nut attached. The nut or plate 22 `bears against thespring 24, so that the spring tends to force the plate 22 away from thedoor jamb and thus tend to keep the door from sagto the door jamb. Whenan abnormal pressure on the convex side of the door spreads the door inwidth, the springs 24 yield to allow the hinges to slide.

A tapered aligning plate 25 is fastened to the'iioor on the nonghingedside of the door opening, which ta` pers atthe top from the center tothe ends. A wearing plate 26 is attached above it to the door side 1m.The plate 25 engages the plate 26 to raise and align the door as itcloses, thus correcting any inaccuracy of positioning not accomplishedby the spring 24. The hinges and latching are strong enough to hold thedoor in position while it yields in width under loads on its convexsurface. The yielding causes the sides 1m to bind to the edges of wall2a and then the forces on the door are diverted to the wall edges.Although this modied door is notas etective as the door shown in Figures1 to 9 inclusive, it is useful where a door is needed that swings in and`outy and yet must resist violent exterior pressures. This door canbeused to swing in only, with its `shell bowed to the exterior to resistviolent forces.

Figures 16, 17, 18 and 19 illustrate a modified closure that is similarto the door shown in Figures 1 to 9 inelusive.` This modification has,ribs 27 rather than ribs 3, 4 and C. Ribs 27 are similar to ribs 3 and4. They differ by being narrower in width. The narrow width allows theribs 27 to yield under loads without fouling the cover 5.` ModifiedtiesV T1 are similar to ties T. They havetubes 28 that are similar totubes 13 except that they are shaped to have `a sliding tit with ribs 27to'help close the cross area of the door. The ribs 27 are shapedto formgaps 27a similar to gaps 3a between their edgeand'the shell 1. Elasticller 19 may be inadsense 8 Serted in these gaps 27a. If preferred, forappearance and as a covering,` a rib 3 may be `used at the top in placeof a rib 27. When a fixed cover 5 is not used, the intermediate ribs andbottom ribs 27 may be used as shelves, when slats (not shown) are placedabove the ribs to keep articles from falling olf.

Figures 20, 2l and 22 show how thin curved shell barriers orclosure-shields A1 to A13 inclusive may be used in and on automobilesand the like, to enclose, shield or separate non-compatible elements toeffectively act during auto accidents, to prevent injury and death tothe people in the accidents and to prevent property damage. Theseclosure-shields act similar to the door shown in Figures 1 to 9inclusive. The door shown in Figure l would yield and then restrain,without much harm, a would-be intruder who hurls his weight against thedoor. The closure-shields inside an auto provide cushioning andrestraining means which slow down and check the momentum of theoccupants of an auto when it is stopped suddenly, such as the stoppageduring a collision. The momentum tends to hurl the occupants forwardlyuntil they strike rigid framing. The safety barriers or closureshieldscatch the occupants being thrown by the momentum, and ease theirmovement to a stop, thus preventing or lessening injury. These insideclosure-shields would also cushion and stop the flight movement ofobjects such as luggage being transported on the rear seat. Thesebarriers may be used on the outside of automobiles to Contact, cushionand bounce pedestrians andautos that are struck, to lessen injury to thepedestrians and to prevent property damage.

The arrangements shown allows means to adapt these barriers to existingautos, modified arrangements (not shown) may be incorporated into newdesigns for autos.

The closure-shields A1., A2 and A3 shown in Figures 20 and 2l, are alikein general. They have curved shells 1p which are bowed in height, chainribs C and ties T2. The modified yicldable tie T2 shown in detail inFigur'e 23, is similar to tie T shown in Figure 2. It may be used forthe closureshields as well as for the doors such as previouslydescribed. The ties T2 take most of the reaction from the arched thrustfrom the ends of the sides 1r. The tic T2 has heavy wires or rods 10b,with anchor disks 10c attached to the ends shown. Light springs 11a andheavy spring 11b are enclosed and trappedby the limit tube 12b and theadjustable tube ends 12e. The tube 12b with its ends 12e restrain theties 10b from yielding after the springs 11a and 11b have reached theirdepressed limit. Washers 11C separate adjacent springs 11a and 11b. Theweaker springs 11a allow readily yielding of the bowed shell 1p tocushion and slow up the initial impact, before the heavy springs 11bincrease the resistance against the `thrust on the shell 1p. The limittube 12b with its ends`12c prevent excessive yielding. Excessive yieldwould allow the shell 1p to flatten and then buckle and collapse.Springs 11.5 and 11C may bc combined if preferred.

These closures Al,` A2 and A3 arc shown as being mounted to the rear ofthe iront seats of a two-door sedan. They also may be mounted behind thefront seats of a four-door sedan and the like. Since access to the rearseats of a two-door sedan is by tilting the backs of the front seats toallow access space, the safety barrier or closure-shield arrangement issectioualized rather than being similar to the single closure shown inFigure l. The closure-shields A1, A2 and A3 are hinged at the bottom tosupports The tops are latched to slotted catch plates 29. Supports 28and plates 29 are securely attached to the strong members of the autoframework. Linkage 3d may be used to connect the closure-shield A1 tothe top of the hinged backing of the front seat. The closure A3 may alsobe linked to a back of a front seat section. Closures Al and A3 may beunlatchetLfthen tilted with the back sections of the front seats toallow access to and from the rear seats. When thc closures '29 areslopedto allow forward yieldingmovement. .legs-and feet of peopleweighthus. ,the forward forces Otlegsland feetfan betestrainedmore.,Pieces'thatlare fastened together.

y transparent .area to tofseegthrough it. "closurefshiellds A1,ingraddingL suchs thatmade, f foamfrubbenwith suitablelovering'. The`paddi ng, 3 1 may be l fastened electively cushion thefaceftoplQYIlt,[as the face is `forcedbyl momentumfto bearagainst. the

'more effective in reducing injury.`

` to its effectiveness.

shell lpinay be made begcovered withfpadding have a tendency to,buckleunder. the impact-fof a persons "ghar ip. :The adjacem ribs cofithga .Shields may ,befdoweled or. ad together, to distribute. the.impacts ...dianhragmt the center.

i tThe forwardinterior -part essere Aland. are .in theirlathedrositiont-theygsstrsin, with linkage 30, the backs ingdurling asudden stop.

highenough above the auto oor to allow spac'e b elow f 'the frhtSeatlfrtim 'fuld- The Closures.. maybe .mounted A gap is left, above thethem for feet of the passengers.

N closures to allow the closures .tospreadas y tlieyyield and ,flattenunder impactsexpanding movement.

The slotted plates 2 9 allow this With the arrangement shown, thesideslr transmit the arch thrust of shells 11p to thehinges and latches.as was described for the door show'n in Figv ute l, when itwas to bemounted in aweakwall. 'Ille closure-shields, such as A1, aremosteffective toprevent iniurywhenthey yield,cQnSiderabh/.since theyyslow down a persons body that has been hurled against it. Therevforernore yielding movement iswallowedtm in these closure-shields thanin the door shown lin Figure l. Deeper bows to the .shells 1p makethemmoreuseful.

.The closure-shields A1, A2. and A3 .are positioned so thatthe 'middleordinate of, the lbow ofthe she11, that is the deepest part of the otthe thrust is greatest from the rnidsectionof` a persons is an advantageas .the bowed shell can yield a further distance Yin 'this vicinity.'lhus i it can more effectively ease'the person to a .s tup.r The narchl of theshell is strongest when thethrpstagainst it is Vthe greatest; Asthe shell yieldsand resistsitheV thrust against it', it .atteus to.adjcgree.

itsstroug Shape as. it Vslows.down zfoc'eotthepersonbearing againstTliustheshell spends and reacts against .the ik The Slots. in Platesmuch "lessfthan the torso,

with less yieldingof the shelljlp wherethey bear.

The shellplpmaybe one pieceorl it maybe two or allow, all of: theoccupants of they car The protective ,characteristics of the Az and As'may ,bejinreaseaby ,add-

to .manon-transparent convex surfacesfof theshellsjlp. A

Vfsliglitlg/. yieldable transparent lcurvedplastic shell or blisterfastened to the shelLlp.' The shellflwould or lessen injury "'shell. Theshell `or blisterl'may have s tlylyieldable closed ends to make kanair-filled cushioiithat would be "..The air-mieu. briser drvompresscd.air. .orf ygas tv add The non-transparent v part of the of. Stronger.material than can. be fused fof the yieldable transparentreas Reinforcedfaz .may be fined with pl'astic'rnay be used, or metalf may be used fortthelower Vpartoifshell 1p. A metalpartof a shell rnay have' j straightribs fastened to'itjorstrengthening. it. When suoli ribs are onv theconvex side oi the shell, they would 31. Since the shell A1p wouldbodylag'ainst it, a tubular strut 3 3, maybmtastenedbet n "the vribsCtoreduce they buckling tendency; The strut 3.3.` W Quld allow thek use ofa tljii'rriaeri' more. yeltlable diaeentlosure- `The closuregshieldsA1', y A2, *f nd A3 act, together as `a l n y offan'automobileQtdresist,the lbuckling effects of aside thrust from a'carcolliding into its side. I y

l vO-,tlieauto `has closurefelds A4 and A5, whicharesimilartclosurefshields 1 A2 and A3. There mat/be rcurved `doors, 3

l 3.5.1; in the closureshields A4 and AS- -,The ,doors bow, is centeredwhere the. force ,The

'.The .shell 1p .t

facialfeatures fto more .latched together tog/maketh@ yelusive. byrigging, the closure tops wires and struts no-t shown).

65. VAin the form of a Idoor, shutter, lbarricade or the like,

- moresurfac@ Iwarfare to resist Y manually or by the force fofexplosions and the like.

means to make these vyield allowance ,ffor cleaning 'I' the.wndshicldagdaggess. .t0

`jtheglt veQcornpartrnent; radio, heater controlsjandy the like. Thedoors 34b mayy be transparent to allow the driver to View the instrumentpanel indicators. The doors 34b also allow 4access for cleaningthewindshield and such. T he steering wheel column 35 may pass .throughaslot in the shell of the closure-shieldy A5. The

two closures A4 and A5 allow the opaque ribs and riers A8 on theexterior of the auto doors act to protect the occupants as theseclosures cushion and resist impacts on their` convex. surfacesVduringcollisionsand roll-overs.

be -made for attaching to existing autos and for future 4au tos, tl 1 ese closure-shields maybecombinedto form double bowed yieldable, auto{doors that are capable of `yielding and thenresisting violent thrusts on|both sides.

The barriers A9 may Ibefastened to Athe sides of the .auto, also at theends. They may cover only the lower parts of .the auto or they may bemade larger to.. cover such as do vthe closures A8. A closurefshield A10may be used instead of or lalong with a conventionalwindshield. VItwould project theocycupants of theauto aga1nst-missile-like objects thatmay be hurled against theexterior ofthe closure.

During collisions, objects are torn loose from .the :opposing Iauto andhurled by the momentum to the other car. Sucha closure as A would bekuseful in times-of riotsfand the forces of missiles thrown againstitBarriers A11 and A12 would offer protection for the occupants ofconvertible type autos as well as those with strong. tops. ,Thesebarriers would cushion and restrain A'persons who are lhurled againstthe ceiling during roll- `ov ers, collisions and when bumps in theroadway cause `them to hit the ceiling. The floors of autos mayalso 45havethese barriers for protection during roll-overs.

The barrier A13 along the exterior topsidey of a vehicle would cushionand absorb most of the impact from roll-overs, thus preventing seriousinjury to the passen- .gersand preventing serious damage to the-auto. 50

fectively when. they have both slidafbly. latched, ,with the ties vbody.

Barriers such .as A11, A12 and A13 may be useclef- T2 anchoredto the,auto Convertible .autos with the tops retracted may use verticalbarriers or vc :losuressimilar `to A1 to Aminto the auto body with.Thusibarriers maybe attachedin and on autos and the like, yto preventpeople from being vmaimed .and killed ,and to prevent property damage.

The steering wheelgand column, are theV only non-shielded objects that`arelikely to cause injury yand death. There are known duringcollisions. Thus4 it will be. seen that.lhave provided yan ellicient andstrong curved safety barrier 'or closure element,

which provides optirntun strength for a given weight, and

Which, by curvature yof panel and yieldable ribs :and ties rnakesitpossibleto cushion Iand stop violentfforcesg,

` Lrnent whiohdlave spaced anchoring 'points yacross the also,xl haveprovidednovel :ribslior such closure elewidthloi the closure element,Vand between which anchor- .ing po in ts a. s malkspace is providedbetween the curved panel of the door and ribs so as to permit freeoutward Qr inwa r .d ;bov.vir 1g 0f thefpanel portions, suchas'ausedside edges of the shellsv by temperature or humidity changes, therebyproviding uniform distribution across the width `of the closure elementof such bowing. Additionally, I have provided a closure element whichmay be made of plastic or other suitable materials and which may beprovided with a resilient sealing material about its perimeter and theinterior of which may be filled with insulating material.

.'hile l have illustrated and described several specic embodiments of myinvention, it will be understood that these are by way of illustrationonly, and that various changes and modifications may be made within thecontemplation of my invention and within the scope of the followingclaims.

l claim:

l. A yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly curved thin panel, aplurality of yieldable tie elements whose extrcmities are fastenedadjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, topermit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to itsconvex surface; and a plurality of stiifening members extendingtransversely across said panel along arcuate paths immediately adjacentthe inner surface of said panel, said stitfening members each comprisinga plurality of elements disposed in end-to-end pivotal relationship.

2. A yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly curved thin panel, aplurality of yieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastenedadjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, topermit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to itsconvex surface, stiffening members extending transversely across saidpanel along arcuate paths adjacent the inner surface of said panel, saidstiffening members each comprising a plurality of links pivotallyconnected together in end- -to-end relationship, to allow yieldablestiffening and maintenance of an arc shape by said panel.

3. A yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly curved panel, a pluralityof yieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent theextremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit saiddevice to expand in width when pressure is applied to i-ts convexsurface, a plurality of transversely extending stiifening `memberssecured to said panel in spaced `parallel relal tionship, each of saidstilfening members comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnectedlinks, said links having projecting portions normally in abutment tolimit abnormal outward movements of said links and per mitting inwardmovement of said links when said panel is flexed inwardly.

4. A yieldable barrier comprising a thin, outwardly bowed panel ofsubstantially rectangular shape and bowed r across the width of thepanel, a plurality of yieldable tic elements whose extremities arefastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sidesthereof, to

permit said device to expand in Width when pressure is applied to itsconvex surface, stitfening members comprising a plurality of pivotallyinterconnected links. said links having projecting end portions normallyin abutment to limit abnormal outward movements of said links andpermitting inward movement of said links when said panel is flexedinwardly, said stitfening members being connected to said panel in atleast one intermediate point.

5. A yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly bowed panel, a pluralityof yieldable tie elements whose extremities arc fastened adjacent theextremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit saiddevice to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convexsurface, a plurality of stiffening members extending transversely acrosssaid panel along arcuate paths adjacent the inner surface of said panel,said stiifening members each comprising a plurality of links pivotallycon-f thin panel, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whoseextremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel onopposite sides thereof, to permit said device to expand in width whenpressure is applied to its convex surface, a plurality of stiffeningmembers extending transversely across said panel along arcuate pathsadjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiflening members eachcomprising a plurality of links pivotally connected together inendto-end relationship, to allow yieldable stiffening and maintenance ofan arc shape by said panel, and a strip of resilient materialsurrounding the perimeter of said outwardly curved panel.

7. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim l wherein said panel has atransparent portion.

8. A yieldable barrier `as recited in claim 2 wherein said panel isofplastic material.

9. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 5 wherein insulating materialis provided in the space between said flat panel and said outwardlybowed panel.

l0. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 2, together with a pair ofhinges of `yieldable material for hinging said barrier to an opening ina building wall so as to allowan edge of the barrier to bear against anedge of said opening.

l1. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 1 together with an outerlayer of padding on said panel.

l2. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 2 together with a secondoutwardly curved thin panel of smaller radius than, anddisposed on theouter surface of, said first mentioned panel.

13. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim l2 wherein said second paneland the confronting portion of said first panel are of transparentmaterial.

14. In a vehicle having a bodyenclosinga compartment for occupants, asafety cushioning device secured to said body having a yieldable barriercomprising a curved thin panel in confronting relationship with saidcompartment, a yieldable tie whose extremities are fastened adjacent theextremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, said body includingspaced bearing means for said panel extremities, at least one of whichallows relative sliding movement with one of said panel ex tremities topermit said device to expand in widthwhen pressure` is applied to itsconvex surface; and a stiffening member extending transversely acrosssaid panel along an arcuate` pathadjacent the inner surface of saidpanel, said stitening member comprising a plurality of elements disposedin end-to-end pivotal relationship.

l5. In combination with a body portion of a motor driven vehicleincluding driver and passenger compartments, a safety cushion devicedisposed immediately in front of an exposed portion of one of saidcompartments and comprising a yieldable barrier having an inwardlycurved thin panel disposed so that its convex portion confronts saidlast mentioned compartment, a plurality of Vyieldable tie elements whoseextremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel onopposite sides thereof, said` body having substantially verticallyspaced bearing means for said extremities, at least 60 ',verticalsliding movement with one one of which bearing means allows relative,substantially of said extremities to permit said device to expand inwidth when pressure 1s applied to its convex surface, stiffening membersextending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths adjacentthe inner surface of said panel, said stiffening members each comprisinga plurality of links pivotally connected together in end-to-endrelationship, to allow yieldable stiifening and maintenance of an areshape by said panel.

16. In an automotive vehicle, a body portion in combination with ayieldable barrier secured to the exterior of said body portion andhaving an outwardly curved thin panel mounted on said body portion inconfronting relationship with a compartment for occupants, a pluralityof yieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent theextremities of said panel on oppo site sides thereof, said bodyincluding spaced bearing means for said panel extremities, at least oneof which bearing means allows relative sliding movement with one of saidpanel extremities to permit said device to expand in width when pressureis applied to its convex surface; and a plurality of stiiening membersextending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths immediatelyadjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiening members eachcomprising a plurality of yieldable elements' disposed in end-to-endpivotal relationship.

17. In combination with an automobile having driver and passengercompartments separated by a yieldable barrier mounted on said body andlocated rearwardly of the drivers seat and comprising an outwardlycurved thin panel extending in a rearward direction, a plurality ofyieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent theextremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit saiddevice to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convexsurface; and a plurality of stiifening members extending transverselyacross said panel along arcuate paths immediately adjacent the innersurface of said panel, said stiifening members each comprising aplurality of links disposed in end-to-end pivotal relationship.

18. A closure element consisting of a yieldable barrier comprising anoutwardly curved thin panel, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whoseextremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel onopposite sides thereof, to permit said device to expand in width whenpressure is applied to its convex surface; and a plurality of stiifeningmembers extending transversely across said panel along arcuate pathsimmediately adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiffeningmembers each comprising a plurality of elements disposed in end-to-endpivotal relationship.

19. A door comprising an outwardly curved thin panel, a plurality ofyieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent theextremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit saiddevice to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surfacestiiening members extending transversely across said panel along arcuatepaths adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiffening ymemberseach comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected together inend-toend relationship, to allow yieldable stiiening and maintenance ofan arc shape by said panel.

20. A yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly curved thin panel,yieldable means cooperable with an extremity of said panel to permitsaid barrier to yieldably expand in width when pressure is applied toits convex surface; and stiffening means extending transversely acrosssaid panel along an arcuate path immediately adjacent the inner surfaceof said panel, said stifening means comprising a plurality of portionsdisposed in end-to-end pivotal relationship.

21. 'A yieldable barrier for mounting on a conveyance body forprotecting occupants in a compartment thereof, comprising a thin panelof convex shape, yieldable means at one ofthe extremities of said panelto permit said panel to yieldably expand in width when pressure isapplied to its convex surface, and stiffening means comprising aplurality of yieldable support points in spaced relationshiptransversely across said panel on the concave side thereof andpositioned to limit the extent of radially inward movement of portionsof said panel, whereby the panel is prevented from collapsing and thesubstantially convex curvature of the panel is maintained even aftercollision of an object against the convex surface.

22. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 21 wherein at least aportion of said barrier is of transparent material to permit viewingtherethrough.

23. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 2l wherein said convexsurface confronts the interior of said compartment and wherein saidconveyance body includes bearing means for engaging said one of theextremities of said panel to permit relative movement therebetween andso as to maintain said substantially convex curvature of said panel evenduring said collision.

24. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 21 wherein said convexsurface projects outwardly of said compartment and wherein saidconveyance body includes bearing means for engaging said one of theextremities of said panel to permit relative movement therebetween andso as to maintain said substantially convex curvature of said panel evenduring said collision.

25. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 21 wherein said conveyancebody includes bearing means adjacent the roof of said compartmentagainst which said one of said extremities of said panel is slidable ina substantially vertical direction, the other of the extremities ofsaid'panel being rigidly secured to a point near and above the floor ofsaid compartment, said convex surface confronting the interior of saidcompartment, whereby occupants will be thrown thereagainst in the eventof a collision but without substantially altering said convex curvature.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,715,379 Nicholas June 4, 1929 1,717,533 Ward June 18, 1929 1,973,011Morrison Sept. 11, 1934 2,111,814 Schulman Mar. 22, 1938 2,326,713Wesseler Aug. 10, 1943 2,436,461 Tritt et al. Feb. 24, 1948 2,477,933Labser Aug. 2, 1949 2,715,042 Lancaster Aug. 9, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS769,903 France June 18, 1934 207,740 Switzerland Mar. 1, 1940

